Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood Floors – A New England Favorite

Hardwood flooring has really come a long way over the years. While not that long ago, hardwood floors were typically constructed from solid wood, many of the wood floors that are available today still contain real wood, but they are not the traditional hardwood that our grandmas probably had in their homes.

For homeowners who want to add the beauty of durability of hardwood flooring into their homes, it is definitely a good idea to do some research ahead of time to be sure you are choosing the best type of hardwood for your home. This is especially true because in general, the cost of hardwood floors in New Hampshire is typically a bit higher than the rest of the country, and you want to be sure you are spending your hard-earned money as wisely as possible.

With that in mind, the following descriptions and info about three main hardwood flooring types can help you make your decision:

Solid wood flooring:

This type of flooring is milled from a solid piece of wood. Although the width can vary, most of the solid hardwood planks are 2 ¼ inches in width. One of the key features of solid wood flooring is its durability—it can be refinished numerous times over the life of the floor, which means it is not only attractive but also quite sturdy. Many areas of a home do quite well with a hardwood floor, but since it can expand and contract along with moisture levels in the home, it’s not a great option for areas of the home that tend to get a lot of water. For example, solid wood flooring will probably wear like proverbial iron in a dining room, living room or entry hallway, but it’s not really a great option for a bathroom or laundry room.

Engineered wood flooring:

Engineered wood is made by stacking three to five layers of hardwood; the layers are then sealed together with a great deal of pressure. This innovative process creates wood flooring that is not only nice to look at, but also more resistant to dampness. It also stands up to heavy traffic areas and resists denting. For homeowners who are looking to install wooden flooring in their basements or bathrooms, this would probably be their best option.

Laminated wood flooring:

This type of flooring is made by gluing wood veneer over plywood. Laminate wood tends to be the most budget-friendly option, and it can also stand up to humidity and dampness. Unlike the other forms of wooden flooring which typically come in a limited number of standard sizes, laminated wood flooring is available in wider widths.

How long will a hardwood floor last?

There are a few things that help determine the durability of hardwood flooring. For example, if it is installed in a room that is rarely used—like a guest room—it will last much longer between refinishes than if it’s placed in a high traffic area like a hallway or living room. Overall, pre-finished hardwood tends to be the longest lasting, and solid hardwood has an advantage over the other types since it can be refinished repeatedly over time.